2_Philadelphia Eagles1

Minnesota Vikings Gameday HQ

NFC-EAST
PHILADELPHIA
2014 STRENGTHS:
• Strong running attack, efficient quarterbacking
Eagles Offense
HUNTER MARTIN/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
When Chip Kelly came to Philadelphia, he was hailed
as an offensive savant, and his first year with the Eagles
demonstrated that the man can sure coach that side of the ball.
At times last year, opponents were overwhelmed, and those
expecting an aerial circus found that this offense is about the
run, too. LeSean McCoy rushed for 1,607 yards, and the Birds
ran it only eight fewer times than they threw it. McCoy is one
of the league’s best, and he should be good for another 1,500
yards, at least. The arrival of Darren Sproles should give the
Eagles another weapon in both the run and passing games.
But every NFL offense begins with the quarterback, and
Nick Foles’ 27 TDs and only two interceptions represented a
fabulous campaign for the unheralded 2012 third-round pick.
Foles didn’t turn it over, but he did have trouble deciding when
to throw it away and he took some needless sacks. In their
last two games—against Dallas and New Orleans—the Eagles
weren’t as overpowering with the ball as they had been earlier.
A big factor this year is the departure of wideout DeSean
Jackson, who had a huge year in 2013 (82 catches, 16.2 yards/
catch, 9 TDs). His ability to stretch defenses and attract extra
attention made things easier for everyone else. Without him,
the Eagles don’t have a front-line receiver, and it’s up to Riley
Cooper, Jeremy Maclin—who missed 2013 with a torn ACL—and
rookie Jordan Matthews to make sizeable steps forward. It helps
2014 WEAKNESSES:
• Shaky secondary, pass protection
EAGLES
that tight ends Brent Celek and Zach Ertz are quite
good and able to get downfield.
Last year, Philadelphia started the same five
offensive linemen every game, something that
helped with continuity. That won’t happen in
2014, since second-year right tackle Lane Johnson
tested positive for a banned substance and will
miss the first four games, but the team has faith in
backup Allen Barbre. Meanwhile, left tackle Jason
Peters is one of the game’s best, and center Jason
Kelce and guard Evan Mathis are stalwarts.
Expect the Eagles to be highly productive on
offense again this year, even without Jackson.
Their growing familiarity with Kelly’s offense
should allow for an even faster tempo and another
avalanche of points.
Offensive Player to Watch
If the Eagles are to make any postseason noise this year, it
will come thanks to Foles’ maturation as a passer. There are still
those who believe he isn’t a franchise quarterback, despite last
year’s gaudy debut.
But Foles did look extremely comfortable in Kelly’s system
last year. He even ran it well in zone read situations. He isn’t
the most nimble quarterback and doesn’t have a cannon arm,
but he makes good decisions and is capable of operating Kelly’s
scheme quite well. Foles is accurate and can deliver the ball
quickly, which is a huge part of the Eagles offense. He will be
more comfortable this year running the team, since he didn’t
start last year until the seventh game, and has the potential to be
something special.
Eagles Defense
In the run-up to last season, it was clear the Eagles’ goal was
to get the offense settled and to leave coordinator Bill Davis to
find a way to make the defensive unit productive with few stars
and a collection of youngsters and castoffs. End Trent Cole was
being asked to change positions, and linebacker DeMeco Ryans
had to head back inside in a 3-4 configuration, after proving
he wasn’t too comfortable there while in Houston. There were
more than a few people who thought the Eagles were interested
LeSean McCoy